GENESIS G80 ELECTRIFIED VS. BMW 14 M50

It seems like there’s a new electric luxury SUV introduced every couple of months. But if you’re seeking old-school opulence, a luxury sedan might be more your speed. Luckily, automakers haven’t completely forsaken that category. Two recently introduced electric luxury sedans worth looking into are the Genesis G80 Electrified and the BMW i4.

Both are based on existing conventionally powered models — the G80 and 4 Series Gran Coupe, respectively — and have much to offer the luxury-sedan shopper in their all-electric guise. Which extra-posh EV should you splurge on? The car specialists compare the two electrified four-doors to find out.

PERFORMANCE & RANGE

There are three versions of the BMW i4: the eDrive35, eDrive40 and M50. In this article, we’re using the top-line M50 for our comparison. It comes standard with dual electric motors and all-wheel drive. Combined, its two motors produce 469 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque, and that can temporarily be increased to 536 horsepower and 586 lb-ft for about 10 seconds using Sport Boost mode. For the test track, the i4 M50 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, which is impressively quick. Around turns, the i4 feels composed and grippy but lacks the playful feel that BMW sedans typically offer.

The Genesis G80 Electrified only comes with dual motors and all-wheel drive. This setup is good for 365 horsepower and 516 lb-ft. It’s not as quick as the i4 M50, posting a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds, but acceleration should be more than adequate for most. From a handling standpoint, it’s not as enjoyable to drive as the BMW. The G80 Electrified is better suited as a luxurious cruiser.